Crispy Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb: Quick & Juicy (Print Version)

Make juicy Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb with sticky, sweet glaze in under 30 minutes! A simple, flavorful weeknight dinner everyone will love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Chinese
Dietary: Dairy-free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Attraction

01 - 1 lb lamb loin or sirloin, trimmed and sliced into 1-inch pieces

→ The Sticky Glaze Crew

02 - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons honey
04 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Color & Crunch

08 - 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
10 - 2 green onions (scallions), sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, let's get that lamb ready for its star turn. Pat your lamb loin or sirloin dry with paper towels – this helps with browning, seriously! Then, slice it into about 1-inch thick pieces. I usually aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly; nothing worse than some pieces being overcooked and others still a bit raw, right? Place these lovely lamb pieces into a medium-sized mixing bowl. You’re setting the stage for some serious flavor, so take your time here, hon.
02 - Now for the good stuff, the marinade! In a separate bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you're feeling extra, and want that classic red char siu look, add a tiny drop of red food coloring here. I once added too much and my lamb looked like a science experiment, oops! Give it a good whisk until it's all smooth and fragrant. This is where the magic starts to happen for our Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb.
03 - Pour that glorious marinade all over your lamb slices in the bowl. Toss everything gently with your hands or tongs, making sure every single piece of lamb is coated in that sticky, sweet goodness. This is where you can really feel the texture change, coating each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, 2 hours or even overnight is where the Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb truly shines. The longer it soaks, the deeper the flavor!
04 - When you’re ready to cook, pull the lamb out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat. This helps it cook more evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Don't skip this step! A preheated air fryer means a crispier, more evenly cooked result. I've rushed this before and ended up with less-than-stellar browning, and trust me, you want that beautiful caramelization on your Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb.
05 - Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil (remember my cleaning disaster?). Arrange the marinated lamb pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You might need to cook in batches, and that’s totally fine. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then flip the lamb pieces with tongs and cook for another 7-10 minutes, or until they’re beautifully caramelized and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; air fryers can vary, and you want that perfect sticky glaze on your Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb, not burnt bits!
06 - Once cooked, carefully remove the Air Fryer Char Siu Lamb from the basket and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This resting period is crucial for juicy lamb, allowing the juices to redistribute. Then, slice the lamb against the grain into thinner pieces, if desired. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. The aroma at this point is just incredible – sweet, savory, and a little smoky. Serve it up and watch it disappear!

# Notes:

01 - Marinating longer really deepens the flavor, honestly, it's worth the wait.
02 - For easy cleanup, always line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil; trust me on this.
03 - If you're out of Shaoxing wine, a dry sherry works, but the flavor won't be quite as authentic.
04 - Serve this with a side of jasmine rice to soak up all that incredible sticky sauce!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - mixing bowls
03 - tongs
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g

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